IMPROVED MULTI-DUROMETER CATHETER

摘要

Improved multi-durometer catheter (10) and method of making said catheter (10) is disclosed. One catheter (10) of the invention includes proximal segment (20), distal segment (30), and elongate tubular reinforcing member (40) which is imbedded into inner surface of the proximal segment (20) along a distal length thereof, and is imbedded into an inner surface of the distal segment (30) along a proximal length thereof. Distal end (26) of proximal segment (20) is joined to proximal end (36) of the distal segment (30). The durometer of the plastic of proximal segment (20) may be greater than the durometer of the plastic of distal segment (30). In one method, catheter (10) is made by forming tubular proximal segment (20), tubular distal segment (30), and elongate tubular reinforcing member (40). Reinforcing member (40) is then imbedded into an inner surface of proximal segment (20) along a distal length thereof, and imbedded into an inner surface of distal segment (30) along a proximal length thereof. Distal end (26) of proximal segment (20) is joined to proximal end (36) of the distal segment (30).